Fat/meat grading method and system

ABSTRACT

Method and system for processing of meat trim products, where trim products are supplied as a sequence of collections of trim (COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprising a plurality of trim products, whereby:
     a fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim (COT) is measured;   a collection of trim (COT) is transferred to a selected station by a separator, controlled by a controller; and whereby   a batch is completed at a selected station on the basis of data for said fat/meat relationship, said batch comprising one or more collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.14/336,049 filed on Jul. 21, 2014, which application is a continuationof patent application Ser. No. 13/696,192 filed on Jan. 9, 2013, whichapplication is the national stage application of PCT application numberPCT/EP2011/002299 filed on May 9, 2011, which application claims thebenefit of priority to Danish patent application number PA 2010 00406filed on May 7, 2010. The entire disclosures thereof are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and a system for processing of meattrim products, which trim products are supplied from a meat processingoperation involving cutting up and/or trimming, etc. of meat within thefood industry. The method and the system according to the invention mayalso be referred to as a trim grading method and a trim grading system,respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within the food industry it is well-known that a trimming of meatproducts is performed in connection with the meat processing.

When a meat product is trimmed the fat is removed from it and the resultis

-   -   (a) a primary cut and    -   (b) some fat and trim products.

The “fat” product is essentially fat only whereas “trim” product is anycombination of fat and meat. Trim is the result when for example theoperator during the process of cutting off the fat is cutting a littletoo deep and removes some meat together with the fat, e.g. for examplewhen a first cut removes some of the fat, but reveals that more fatneeds to be removed, which requires a second cut, which in many casesinevitably results in that some meat is cut off as well.

It is noted that during the meat processing also secondary cuts areproduced as well as other small pieces of meat.

For the purpose of this patent application the pieces of fat/meatproduced by the trimming process, secondary cuts and any other pieces ofmeat that are not primary cuts will be referred to as “trim”, “trimproducts”, etc. This also means that the term “collection of trim (COT)”used later on also designates a collection of pieces, where the piecescan be what is traditionally referred to as trim or trim products, butwhere the collection also includes pieces such as secondary cuts, otherpieces of meat that is not primary cuts, etc.

The trim is normally classified in categories according to the meatcontent in percentage. In general it is assessed on line by the operatorand the trim is sorted correspondingly. Most often the trim products aresorted in only a limited number of groups, for example 1 to 4 groups.The fat products are handled separately.

The trim products can be used for a plurality of various purposes, e.g.mincemeat, etc., which requires a further processing of the trimproducts.

When the trim is used in the further processing it is desirable and inmost cases necessary to know the fat percentage to a higher degree ofaccuracy than obtained by the manual assessment. In many cases it iseven necessary to adjust the fat percentage to a specified number inorder to use the product for various purposes and applications.

WO 2009/102457 A1 discloses methods and systems for sorting meat trimportions by employing quantitative lean point analysis and one or moresorting steps. The document discloses embodiments adapted to make leanpoint determinations, to compare the determinations to one or moresorting parameters, and to direct meat trim portions to one of aplurality of containers based on the comparison. Meat trim portions fromeach container are subsequently processed into ground meat. Portions ofmeat trim, which are obtained from one or more fabrication tables, areidentified by one or more of meat trim type, e.g. chick, shank, sirloin,and information associated with lean point (estimated lean point, forexample). Portions of meat trim are then preferably presorted into aplurality of containers and the lean point of portions of meat trimoriginating from a particular presorting container is determined using alean point analysis system by means of for example X-ray analysis. Afterperforming lean point analysis, the meat trim portions are then sortedinto a plurality of combination bins, based on one or both of thedetermined lean point analysis and a previously identified meat type,identified in connection with the presorting.

WO 03/046533 A2 relates to an apparatus and a process for determiningthe relative proportions by mass of two or more differing substancescontained in a sample comprising a combination of the two or morediffering substances, where the sample comprises animal flesh and wherethe differing substances contained in the sample comprise, respectively,meat and fat. The apparatus and a process utilize an X-ray radiationtechnique for calculating the relative proportions by mass of the two ormore differing substances, which may be meat and fat. According to aparticular embodiment the proportions of meat and fat have beendetermined for each of a plurality of sample pieces of meat and havebeen fed to a computer. The sample pieces of meat are transported by aconveyor belt to a series of mechanisms for displacing the samples intoa series of grading bins, where the aim of the system is to end up withas close to a target fat/lean ratio as possible in each of the bins.

Thus, the prior art according to WO 03/046533 A2 concerns the handlingof sample pieces of meat, whereas the present invention is related tothe processing of trim products that are produced in connection withmeat processing in general as explained above, and in particular to theprocessing of collections of trims (COTs) that are being produced inconnection with the meat processing.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to present a method and asystem for handling trim products resulting from the meat processing.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to present amethod and a system, which provides a higher degree of accuracy asregards the fat percentage categorization of the trim products, i.e. thefat/meat relationship.

Further, it is an object of the invention to present such a method andsuch a system, which facilitates a higher degree of automated handlingof the trim products.

Thus, it is also an object to provide batches of trim products, whichfacilitate an improved quality of the end products.

These and other objects are achieved by the invention as explained infurther detail in the following.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method of processing of meat trim productswhere trim products are supplied as a sequence of collections of trim(COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprising a plurality of trimproducts, whereby

-   -   a fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim (COT) is        measured,    -   a collection of trim (COT) is transferred to a selected station        by a separator, controlled by a controller, and whereby    -   a batch is completed at a selected station on the basis of data        for said fat/meat relationship, said batch comprising one or        more collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predetermined        criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship.

Further, the invention relates to a system for processing of meat trimproducts, wherein trim products are supplied to the system in a sequenceof collections of trim (COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprisinga plurality of trim products, said system comprising

-   -   a trim parameter measuring apparatus (TPMA) designed for        measuring the fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim        (COT),    -   a separator for transferring a collection of trim (COT) to a        selected station, and    -   a controller for controlling the separator to complete a batch        at a selected station, based on input from said trim parameter        measuring apparatus (TPMA), said batch comprising one or more        collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predetermined        criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship.

It is noted that in connection with the present invention it will beunderstood that the fat/meat relationship for each of a plurality ofcollections of trim (COTs) is determined or measured as the collectionsof trim are supplied in sequence. Thereafter, the collections of trim(COTs) are transferred to a selected station, based on the fat/meatrelationship for each of the available collections of trim (COTs), basedon the data for the collections of trim (COTs) that have already beentransferred to each of the available stations (e.g. the total fat/meatrelationship for the already accumulated collections of trim (COTs) ateach of the stations and possibly also the total weight), and based onthe predetermined criterion that has to be fulfilled regarding the totalfat/meat relationship. It will be understood that the controller willoperate in accordance herewith.

Further, it is noted that a batch is completed and can be e.g. removed,when the collections of trim (COTs), possibly only one, that have beentransferred to a station, fulfil(s) the predetermined criterionregarding a total fat/meat relationship (with the relevant tolerances).The predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship cane.g. be determined to have been reached by the controller only, since inmany instances the controller will operate in order to reach the desiredresult by accumulating collections of trim (COTs), which only in thespecific combination will fulfil the predetermined criterion, but inother instances the controller may operate in such a manner that theaccumulated collections of trim (COTs) at any time or at any specifictime (e.g. after for example at least two, three, etc. collections oftrim (COTs) have been supplied to a station) fulfil the predeterminedcriterion. In such instances the batch can be said to be completed whenit fulfils the predetermined criterion and when it is actually e.g.removed from the station for further handling. It is apparent that insuch cases the controller will need to receive confirmation that thebatch is now “completed” and that the building up of a new batch isstarted. An example of such a case will be explained in further detailin the detailed part of the description. Thus, it will be understoodthat the term “completed” includes both of the above-mentionedunderstandings.

By this method and/or this system it is achieved that trim products canbe provided for further processing with a higher quality as regards thefat percentage than it has otherwise been possible when using thehitherto available manual methods and systems. Further, it is also madepossible to achieve a higher degree of consistency as regards theaccuracy and/or margins of the fat percentages of the provided batchesof trim products. These advantages also ensure that a higher economicoutcome can be achieved and that the quality of end products made bymeans of such batches of trim products is enhanced. Furthermore, thehigher degree of automation involved in the process also provides for anenhanced cost-efficiency.

Preferably, weight may be determined for the supplied collections oftrim (COTs) by e.g. weighing means and the weight data may be suppliedas input to the controller for controlling the separator.

Preferably, the collections of trim (COTs) may be supplied withapproximately the same weight.

Hereby, the efficiency of the method and the system can be enhanced,when the individual COTs do not differ significantly from each other,since it is made easier for the controller to find suitable COTs tocreate a desired batch, e.g. since the number of available COTs with anexpected weight and with various fat percentages will be relativelyhigh.

According to further advantageous embodiments, said weighing means maybe integrated with the trim parameter measuring apparatus (TPMA) or withthe separator or the weighing means may alternatively be independent.

Hereby, a high degree of flexibility is achieved as regards the designand adaptation of the system in general.

In accordance with a further preferable embodiment, the batch that iscompleted at a selected station, may further fulfill a predeterminedcriterion regarding the total weight of the batch.

Hereby, the added advantage is achieved that the batches can also becreated with a desired accuracy as regards the weight, e.g. that thecompleted weight lies within a predetermined interval, that the weightfulfils a minimum criterion and/or other weight requirements and/oroptions, which also add to the overall optimization and efficiency.

According to a particular preferable embodiment, batches that arecompleted at at least two different stations, may fulfill differentcriteria as regards the total fat/meat relationship and/or the totalweight.

Hereby, it is achieved that it is made easier to use the COT's that areavailable for the batching, for example when COTs can be used forbuilding up batches having two or more different target fat percentageswhereby e.g. the efficiency of the system is increased and the use ofthe material, e.g. the trim products, is optimized.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, said batch may becompleted at said selected station to fulfill said predeterminedcriterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship, whereby saidpredetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationshipcomprises that the meat percentage of collections of trim (COTs)transferred to the selected station exceeds a minimum value at any timeduring the completion of the batch.

Hereby it is achieved that the output at the station will at any giventime from a “zero-time” have a meat content that is above a guaranteedpercentage.

Thus, it is also achieved that the operator or operators at the e.g.packing process can simply take material from the station, i.e. theposition, whereto the COTs are delivered by the separator, and pack itin boxes or the like of more or less random size and allocate them to alot of material, comprising one or more pallet(s) or the like, and atthe same time ensure that the lot will contain the specified meatpercentage.

Thus, it is also achieved that a batch can be provided at any giventime, if desired, while still fulfilling the predefined criterion.

It will be understood that a resetting of the “zero-time” is performed,when a specific lot or batch has been completed, e.g. when the totalweight of a lot has been obtained, and all material, e.g. alltransferred COTs have been removed from the station and allocated to thelot, whereafter the system initiates a subsequent job, e.g. the buildingup of a new lot with the guaranteed meat percentage.

According to a still further advantageous embodiment, said batch may becompleted at said selected station to fulfill said predeterminedcriterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship, whereby saidpredetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship isfulfilled at a specific point in time, determined by the controller.

Preferably, the fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim (COT) maybe measured by said trim parameter measuring apparatus (TPMA) by aradiation measurement, preferably using X-ray radiation and detectingmeans for performing said measurements, in particular in the form of adual energy system.

Hereby, it is achieved that the measurements can be performed in areliable and efficient manner. It is mentioned, though, that othermeasuring and/or detecting means and principles may be used as well.

Advantageously, the sequence and/or the positions of said suppliedcollections of trim (COTs) may be detected and/or registered, which datamay be supplied to the controller.

Hereby, the measured data may be allocated to the individual COTs andthe control of the separator to create the desired batches may beimplemented in an advantageous manner,

Advantageously, additional products, e.g. meat and/or fat products maybe added at a station or at a subsequent processing step to complete abatch in order to fulfill said predetermined criterion regarding a totalfat/meat relationship.

Hereby, the efficiency of the method and the system may be increasedsince e.g. a batch may be completed relatively quickly, e.g. because itwill not be necessary to wait for a longer period of time for aparticular COT having certain characteristics.

In accordance with particular aspects of the invention, said collectionsof trim (COTs) may be supplied either manually or automatically from atrim source such as a trim table, a flow-line or stream-line tableand/or any other trim producing source.

It will thus be understood that a high degree of flexibility as regardsthe sources of the trim products and COTs are achieved.

In accordance with further aspects of the invention, measured and/orcalculated data, e.g. data relating to the fat/meat relationship for oneor more collections of trim (COTs) and/or relating to one or morecollections of trim (COTs) required for a batch, may be provided as afeedback.

Hereby, a number of advantages may be achieved, including that thecontroller may use the data for optimizing the processing of the meatproducts and in particular the building up and completion of the batchesof COTs.

According to further embodiments of the invention, said measured and/orcalculated data, in particular data relating to the fat/meatrelationship for one or more collections of trim (COTs), may be fed toan operator, who has produced said one or more collections of trim(COTs)

Hereby, a number of advantages may be achieved. For example, the fatpercentage measurements may be fed back to the individual operators inorder to provide guidance and/or training to the operator or operatorsregarding the trimming process, e.g. as regards whether the operatorcuts off more meat than normally and/or necessary, etc. and furthermorethe measurements may be used for other purposes, such as generalplanning, etc.

According to still further embodiments of the invention, said measuredand/or calculated data may be fed to the trim source, which suppliescollections of trim (COTs).

The information that is fed back may be fed to the e.g. trim tablesystem, the flow-line or stream-line table and/or any other trimproducing source, for example to the control unit for such a trim sourcesystem in order to provide input to the control unit of the system.

In this connection it is noted that such feedback to the control unit ofthe system or the operator(s) as also mentioned above may also relate tospecific requirements of the system according to the invention, forexample in situations where the fat/meat grade system requires a numberof COT's having an e.g. higher fat percentage in order to complete oneor more batches, and where the source system thus can be controlled todeliver such a number of COTs, if possible.

Other analogous situations may occur, where the control system of thefat/meat grade system can cooperate with a control system of a sourcesystem and vice versa. In this manner added advantages can be achieved,since the efficiency of the fat/meat grade system as well as theefficiency of the source system as such can be increased. Thus, thefat/meat grade system according to the invention and a source system canbe seen as a cooperating system.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a batch completed at astation may comprise a plurality of sub-batches.

Hereby the advantage is achieved that the sub-batches each can be packedindependently so they are easier to handle and e.g. faster to freeze.The batch can e.g. be collected on a pallet of boxes each containing oneor more sub-batches.

In this regard it is mentioned that particular advantages can beachieved in connection with the above-mentioned embodiment, according towhich a batch may be completed at a selected station to fulfill a totalfat/meat relationship, whereby the meat percentage of collections oftrim (COTs) exceeds a minimum value at any time during the completion ofthe batch, and where the operator or operators at the e.g. packingprocess can simply take material from the station, i.e. the position,whereto the COTs are delivered by the separator, and pack it in boxes orthe like of more or less random size.

Preferably, the system may comprise means for conveying said suppliedsequence of collections of trim (COTs) to and/or within the system, forexample in the form of conveyor belts or the like.

Preferably, the system may comprise means for transporting completedbatches to further processing, packaging, boxing, labeling, etc., saidmeans for transporting comprising for example conveyor belts or thelike.

THE FIGURES

The invention will be explained in further detail below with referenceto the figures of which

FIGS. 1a-c show different embodiments of a system according to theinvention, shown in a schematic manner, and

FIGS. 2a-b show embodiments of a system according to the invention infurther detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Different embodiments of a system 1 according to the invention are shownin FIGS. 1a to 1c in a schematic manner, which embodiments will bedescribed in the following. The system, which is generally designated 1,comprises an apparatus 10, which in general is a trim parametermeasuring apparatus, also referred to as a TPMA, which is designed formeasuring the fat/meat relationship for meat, meat pieces, etc., and inthis connection in particular for measuring the fat/meat relationshipfor a collection of trim (COT), that is supplied to the apparatus 10.The TPMA 10 may be a machine with a conveyor belt supplying theproducts, e.g. the collections of trim (COTs), which machine orapparatus 10 measures the fat/meat relationship by means of X-rays whenthe products are going through it. It is preferably a dual energysystem, meaning a system using X-ray radiations of two frequencies,where the attenuation of the radiations, e.g. the two frequencies whenpassing the products are measured and detected, whereafter thecharacteristics, e.g. the fat/meat relationship of the product can bedetermined. However, also X-ray radiation systems with a singleenergy/frequency can be used for this purpose, for example when theheight/thickness of the products are even or when the products areformed to have a substantially uniform thickness, cf. for example thetechnique disclosed in WO 2005/090964.

Furthermore, the system 1 comprises an apparatus 20 for separating theproducts after they have passed the TPMA 10. Such a separator orseparator like unit 20, which will be described in further detail lateron, may comprise e.g. a belt conveyor with diverter arms hingedalongside one or both sides. The diverter arms can turn across theconveyor belt in an angle to guide the products, e.g. COT's off the beltinto bins, tubs, containers or the like (in general referred to asbins), which are placed e.g. at stations alongside the conveyor. Othermeans of diverting or moving the products may be used.

The trim products are in sequence fed to the TPMA 10, which trimproducts are supplied in quantities of approximately the same weight.This can be anything practical, e.g. in the range of 2 to 10 kg.However, other ranges may be used. Further, the quantities may differfrom each other to a larger extent. Such a quantity is as also mentionedabove referred to as a “collection of trim” (COT).

In FIGS. 1a to 1c it is shown that the COTs can be supplied fromdifferent sources 31, 32 and 33. It will be understood that the COTs canbe supplied from only one specific source or from two and more sourcesand that the three sources shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c are for illustrativepurposes only.

Such sources from which collections of trim (COTs) are supplied may beany trim table 31, where the operators put the trim into tubs, bins orthe like. As mentioned above, the trim products may be assessed on lineby the operator and the trim may be sorted correspondingly, where mostoften the trim products are sorted in only a limited number of groups,for example 1 to 4 groups. From such tubs the products are manually orautomatically moved to the trim grading system 1 in COTs of suitablesizes.

The source may be a flow-line or a stream-line table 32, where the COTsare conveyed from the operators in suitable sizes and guided directly tothe trim grading system. Examples of flow-line or a stream-line tablesare disclosed in for example WO 01/91565, WO 03/077662 and WO2009/098171.

Further, other sources 33 may be a source of trim products, where thetrim products are delivered in a more or less continuous stream or flow.In such cases the flow can be directed to a worker/operator, whoperforms the task of creating collections of trim COTs of suitable sizesthat are led manually, automatically or semi-automatically to the TPMA10 in the system 1. Further, the operator may assess the trim productsand sort the products correspondingly as mentioned above, where mostoften the trim products are sorted in only a limited number of groups,before the thus created COTs are led to the TPMA 10. In thesesituations, where the worker/operator performs the task of sorting trimproducts as a primary function, the operator may be especially trainedand/or experienced and may perform the task in a more sophisticated andspecialized manner, e.g. by categorizing the products in more categoriesthan normally, etc.

Further, any combination of the above sources 31, 32 and 33 may apply.

Further, the system 1 comprises a controller or control unit forcontrolling the separator 20 to complete a batch at a selected station,based on input from the trim parameter measuring apparatus (TPMA) 10,where the batch comprises one or more collections of trim (COTs) andfulfils a predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meatrelationship. Thus, the control unit controls for example the diverterarms of the separator 20 such that the planned output is reached.

As shown in FIG. 1c the controller can be an independent controller 50,connected by communication lines 55 to the parts of the system 1, thecontrol unit can be a controller 52 that is part of the TPMA 10 and/orthe control unit can be a controller 51 that is part of the separator20. Furthermore, the controller can be a part of a weighing machine,e.g. a weighing machine that will be explained with reference to FIG. 1b.

As mentioned, the system comprises means for determining the weight ofthe products, e.g. weighing means, means for estimating, measuring,calculating, etc. the weight based on various measuring principles, asit will be apparent to a skilled person.

As shown in FIG. 1b the weight of the COTs can be determined by the TPMA10, indicated at 40, or a separate weight determining means or weighingapparatus 41, 42 can be used, for example a conveyor belt based weighingmachine that can optionally be put in before (42) or after (41) the TPMA10.

Furthermore, the system 1 may comprise transport or conveying means 60for delivering the completed batches for further processing, packaging,freezing, etc.

In general, the system 1 is operated in the following manner:

Trim products, which as mentioned above are supplied in collections oftrim (COTs), are in sequence fed to the TPMA 10 and the separator likeunit 20. The TPMA 10 measures the fat/meat relationship of the COT's bymeans of e.g. X-rays when the products are going through it. Either theTPMA 10 or the optional weighing machine 41, 42 determines the weight ofthe COTs one by one.

The separator 20, controlled by the controller 50, 51 and/or 52,performs a batching of the supplied COTs by guiding the COTs off thebelt into bins, tubs, containers or the like (in general referred to asbins), which are placed at stations alongside the separator 20.

The content in a bin is referred to as a batch when it is ready to beremoved and fed to the next process.

The control unit 50, 51 and/or 52 controls the separator 20, e.g. thediverter arms of the separator such that the planned output is reached.The control of such a separator 20 can be performed in various manners,which will be apparent to a skilled person within the field of batching,cf. for example GB 2 116 732, EP 781 172, WO 01/07324, WO 01/27567, WO03/069285 and related prior art documents describing various batchingtechniques within the food industry.

An example of an embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention,wherein a separator 20 is shown in further detail, is illustrated inFIG. 2a . As described above, the system 1 comprises a trim parametermeasuring apparatus TPMA 10, which receives schematically showncollections of trim COTs 2 from a source 30, where the COTs 2 aredelivered by a conveyor belt 4. As shown the weight of the individualCOT's may be determined by a separate weighing machine 42, but mayinstead be determined by the TPMA 10 as explained above. After thefat/meat relationship, e.g. the fat percentage has been determined bythe TPMA 10, the COT's are transported further on by a conveyor belt 6forming part of the separator 20. The separator has a number ofseparator arms 22, diverter wings or the like, by means of which theCOTs can be diverted to a selected station, 24 as described above and asfurther exemplified below, where the COTs are collected in bins, tubs,containers or the like.

In FIG. 2a it is shown that for each station 24 a separator arm 22,diverter wing or the like is placed, but it will be understood that astation 24 may comprise two or more positions, meaning that two or moreseparator arms 22 may divert COT's to a single station 24, for examplein cases where relatively large batches are being made at one or more ofthe stations 24.

Further, a conveyor belt 61 or the like is illustrated for the purposeof transporting completed batches to further processing, which mayinclude e.g. packaging, boxing, labeling, freezing, shipping, etc.

The controller is shown as a separate control unit 50 in this example,which control unit 50 is connected by lines, wires or channels 55 to theunits in the system for receiving measured or determined data and forcontrolling the separator 20, e.g. the separator or diverter wings 22.

Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the system 1 is designed fore.g. registering the sequence and/or the position of the COT's, whichdata are combined with the measured and/or determined data regarding theindividual COT weight data and the fat/meat relationship, which isnecessary in order to perform the batching to achieve batches with thedesired target data. Thus, means such as detectors for detecting passingCOT's, means for controlling and/or registering, detecting, etc.position and/or speed of conveyor belts etc. may be comprised in thesystem, which also will be apparent to a person skilled within the artof batching and food industry in general.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2a , a feedback 58 from the controller 50 tothe source 30 of the trim products may be present, the significance ofwhich will be explained below.

FIG. 2b shows an embodiment essentially corresponding to the embodimentshown in FIG. 2a , but comprising six stations 24 a-24 f andillustrating that a batch can comprise sub-batches. Further, the featureof providing batches that can be removed e.g. at any time, e.g. batchesthat at any time fulfill the predefined criterion, will be explainedbelow with reference to FIG. 2 b.

The output of the method and the system according to the invention canfor example be in the following form:

A. Relatively Small Batches.

These are in general made of one or a few COTs 2. In general they arecreated by guiding together COTs 2 of approximately the same fatpercentage so that the final batch contain a certain weight (minimumweight or a target weight plus minus a tolerance) with a fat percentagewithin a pre-determinant range (or below/above a certain number).

It may in this case be necessary to run another job in parallel to thisjob, simply to utilize all COTs, as only relatively few COTs will beuseable for a job as this.

B. Relatively Large Batches.

These are made of several COTs 2. Such batches are in general created byguiding together COT's 2 of different fat percentage in a controlledmanner so a pre-determinant final fat percentage (within relativelynarrow limits) is obtained. The batch weight can also be controlled tomeet a certain final batch weight within controlled tolerances (orbelow/above a certain number). If the supplied COTs cannot bemixed/batched together to obtain the target fat percentage the processis halted before the final batch weight is obtained and either meat orfat is added to reach the final percentage. Such operation is supportedby the system according to the invention.

To utilize the COTs 2 in the best way—i.e. to have a choice for theCOTs—it is an advantage to build up several batches in parallel and evenbetter if these are to be terminated with different fat percentages.

C. Relatively Large Batches Packed in Sub-Batches.

This is in general as B, but the batch is divided into severalsub-batches. This has the advantage compared to B that the sub-batcheseach can be packed independently so they are easier to handle and e.g.faster to freeze.

The batch can e.g. be collected on a pallet of boxes each containing oneor more sub-batches. Such an example is shown in FIG. 2b , where at thestation 24 c it is illustrated that the COTs are packed in boxes 63,which are placed or collected on a pallet 62.

D. Average Meat/Fat Relationship Maintained.

A further embodiment which may be of particular importance when dealingwith relatively large batches, cf. e.g. embodiment C as described above,involves the feature that at one or more, possibly all separatorpositions or stations 24, the output is so arranged that the meatcontent of the COTs at any given time from a “zero-time” is above aguaranteed percentage.

If for example a system is considered where a total of six separatorpositions or stations, e.g. 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d, 24 e and 24 f asshown in FIG. 2b are operated according to this feature, the stations 24a, 24 b and 24 c may for example be set to a meat percentage of minimum94% and the stations 24 d, 24 e and 24 f may for example be set to ameat percentage of minimum 85%.

When a collection of trim COT arrives to the measuring equipment, e.g.TPMA 10, the controller or control unit guides it to one of the sixpositions, such that the meat content at that position is kept justabove the chosen percentage.

In this way the operators at the e.g. packing process can just takematerial from a separator position or station, e.g. 24 a-24 f, and packit into boxes of more or less random size and allocated them to a lot ofmaterial, where a lot can be one or several pallet(s), and at the sametime obtain that such a lot will contain the meat percentage specified.This is shown for the station 24 c, where the material, i.e. COTs arepacked into boxes 62, which are placed on a pallet 62. As mentionedabove, a lot can comprise one or more pallets 62.

When a lot is almost finished, the operator(s) there must

-   -   (1) stop the guidance of material to that particular separator        position or station,    -   (2) pack the remaining material (COTs) at the separator position        or station in question into boxes and allocate them to the lot        in question and    -   (3) reset the separator position or station so it starts from        scratch again, e.g. perform an operation that indicates to the        controller or control unit that the “zero-time” for the        separator position or station in question is reset.

Further, it is noted that the lot (or batch) can be finished at anygiven time from the “zero-time” since the predefined criterion, i.e.that the meat percentage is above a guaranteed percentage, is fulfilled.

E. A Feedback Signal to the Operator.

For information and/or guidance purposes feedback information can bearranged concerning the fat percentage of each COT 2 to the operators ofa specific source 30, 31, 32, 33. Such information can be arranged invarious ways to suit the purpose (average percentage over shorter orlonger periods, tendencies etc). Such a feedback may for examplefacilitate the above-mentioned embodiment D, where an average meat/fatrelationship is maintained at each station, and where the requirementsfor material of a certain meat/fat relationship can be fed back to e.g.the operators trimming the meat in order for the system to meet therequirements in question.

Further, feedback to e.g. the operators processing and/or trimming themeat may in addition to or instead of instruction purposes serve fortraining purposes.

Furthermore, it is mentioned that the feedback may also or instead befed to the source system itself, e.g. a control unit of the sourcesystem, where it may be used e.g. as a control input for e.g. optimizingthe efficiency of the source system. Further, such a feedback signal mayalso serve as a control input to the source system in order to make thesource system deliver e.g. COTs of a particular characteristic to thefat/meat grader system 1, as also exemplified above, which will improvethe efficiency of the fat/meat grade system 1. Other such examples of acooperation taking place between the two systems are possible, whereby aparticular advantageous symbiotic effect will be achieved. For example,in cases where the source system performs a processing of meat that inaddition to primary cuts, fat products, trim in its normally used sensealso results in secondary cuts, the source system can be controlled bythe fat/meat grader system 1 to deliver such secondary cuts in COTs infor example a situation, where the fat/meat grader system 1 needs COTshaving a low fat percentage in order to complete a batch to a specifiedtarget fat percentage or to maintain an average meat/fat relationship.Other similar scenarios are possible.

Further, it is noted that the feedback may be used for establishingtraceability between the batches that are being made by the system 1 andthe meat products that are being processed by the source system. Themeat products processed by the source system have e.g. identificationsfor establishing traceability in particular for the primary cuts, butwhen feedback can be established from the fat/meat grader system 1 tothe source system, traceability can also be provided for the trimproducts that are being used for the completed batches. Thus, it may inthis way be possible to identify for example which animals have beenused for producing e.g. a batch of trim products.

A similar effect as regards traceability can be achieved byproviding/transmitting information from the source system to thefat/meat grader system 1.

Any combination of the above can be arranged.

Furthermore, it is noted that in the industrial application it will bean advantage to e.g. utilize the knowledge of the operator's performanceduring the batching process. Hence the control unit 50 (among otherthings of more or less the same nature) may take into account that acertain operator produces trim with a higher percentage of fat thananother one and keeps track of how often this operator supplies a COT 2.

Further, it is noted that the method and the system according to theinvention has been described above with reference to particularembodiments, but it will be understood that the invention is not limitedto the particular examples described above and shown in the drawings,but may be modified in numerous manners within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. Method of processing of meat trim products,comprising the steps of: supplying trim products as a sequence ofcollections of trim (COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprising aplurality of trim products; measuring a fat/meat relationship for atleast one of the collections of trim (COT); transferring at least one ofthe collections of trim (COT) to a selected station by a separator,controlled by a controller; and completing a batch at a selected stationon the basis of data for said fat/meat relationship and based on thedata for the collections of trim (COTs) that have already beentransferred to each of the available stations, said batch comprising oneor more collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predeterminedcriterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship.
 2. Method accordingto claim 1, wherein weight is determined for the supplied collections oftrim (COTs) and wherein the weight data is supplied to the controller.3. Method according to claim 1, wherein collections of trim (COTs) aresupplied with approximately the same weight.
 4. Method according toclaim 1, wherein said batch that is completed at a selected stationfurther fulfils a predetermined criterion regarding the total weight ofthe batch.
 5. Method according to claim 1, wherein batches that arecompleted at at least two different stations fulfill different criteriaas regards to the total fat/meat relationship and/or the total weight.6. Method according to claim 1, wherein said batch is completed at saidselected station to fulfill said predetermined criterion regarding atotal fat/meat relationship, whereby said predetermined criterionregarding a total fat/meat relationship comprises that the meatpercentage of collections of trim (COTs) transferred to the selectedstation exceeds a minimum value at any time during the completion of thebatch.
 7. Method according to claim 1, wherein said predeterminedcriterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship is fulfilled at aspecific point in time, determined by the controller.
 8. Methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the fat/meat relationship for a collectionof trim (COT) is measured by a radiation measurement using X-rayradiation and detecting equipment for performing said measurements. 9.Method according to claim 1, wherein the sequence and/or the positionsof said supplied collections of trim (COTs) are detected and/orregistered, which data is supplied to the controller.
 10. Methodaccording to claim 1, wherein additional meat and/or fat products areadded at a station or at a subsequent processing step to complete abatch in order to fulfill said predetermined criterion regarding a totalfat/meat relationship.
 11. Method according to claim 1, wherein saidcollections of trim (COTs) are supplied either manually or automaticallyfrom a trim source such as a trim table, a flow-line or stream-linetable and/or any other trim producing source.
 12. Method according claim11, wherein measured and/or calculated data relating to the fat/meatrelationship for one or more collections of trim (COTs) and/or relatingto one or more collections of trim (COTs) required for a batch isprovided as a feedback.
 13. Method according claim 12, wherein saidmeasured and/or calculated data, in particular data relating to thefat/meat relationship for one or more collections of trim (COTs), is fedto an operator who has produced said one or more collections of trim(COTs).
 14. Method according claim 12, wherein said measured and/orcalculated data is fed to the trim source which supplies collections oftrim (COTs).
 15. Method according to claim 1, wherein a batch completedat a station comprises a plurality of sub-batches.
 16. System forprocessing of meat trim products, wherein trim products are supplied tothe system in a sequence of collections of trim (COTs), each collectionof trim (COT) comprising a plurality of trim products, said systemcomprising: a trim parameter measuring apparatus (TPMA) designed formeasuring the fat/meat relationship for at least one of the collectionsof trim (COT); a separator for transferring the at least one of thecollections of trim (COT) to a selected station; and a controller forcontrolling the separator to complete a batch at a selected stationbased on input from said trim parameter measuring apparatus (TPMA) andbased on fat/meat relationship data for the collections of trim (COTs)that have already been transferred to each of the available stations,said batch comprising one or more collections of trim (COTs) andfulfilling a predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meatrelationship.
 17. System according to claim 16, wherein the systemfurther comprises weighing equipment for determining the weight of eachcollection of trim (COT), and wherein said controller for controllingthe separator receives input from said weighing equipment.
 18. Systemaccording to claim 17, wherein said weighing equipment is integratedwith the trim parameter measuring apparatus (TPMA) or with the separatoror wherein the weighing equipment is independent.
 19. System accordingto claim 16, wherein said controller is adapted for controlling theseparator to complete a batch at a selected station, which batch furtherfulfils a predetermined criterion regarding the total weight of thebatch.
 20. System according to claim 16, wherein said controller isadapted for controlling the separator to complete batches at at leasttwo different stations, wherein said batches fulfill different criteriain regards to the total fat/meat relationship and/or the total weight.21. System according to claim 16, wherein said system is configured forcompleting said batch at said selected station to fulfill saidpredetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship, wherebysaid predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationshipcomprises that the meat percentage of collections of trim (COTs)transferred to the selected station exceeds a minimum value at any timeduring the completion of the batch.
 22. System according to claim 16,wherein said predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meatrelationship is fulfilled at a specific point in time determined by thecontroller.
 23. System according to claim 16, wherein said trimparameter measuring apparatus (TPMA) comprises X-ray radiation anddetecting equipment for measuring the fat/meat relationship for acollection of trim (COT).
 24. System according to claim 16, wherein thesystem comprises equipment for detecting and/or registering the sequenceand/or the positions of said supplied collections of trim (COTs). 25.System according to claim 16, wherein the system is designed for addingadditional products at a station or at a subsequent processing step tocomplete a batch in order to fulfill said predetermined criterionregarding a total fat/meat relationship.
 26. System according to claim16, wherein said collections of trim (COTs) are supplied either manuallyor automatically from a trim source such as a trim table, a flow-line orstream-line table and/or any other trim producing source.
 27. Systemaccording to claim 16, wherein said system is designed for feedingmeasured and/or calculated data; in particular, data relating to thefat/meat relationship for one or more collections of trim (COTs) and/orrelating to one or more collections of trim (COTs) required for a batchas a feedback signal.
 28. System according to claim 27, wherein saidsystem is designed for feeding said measured and/or calculated data; inparticular, data relating to the fat/meat relationship for one or morecollections of trim (COTs), to an operator who has produced said one ormore collections of trim (COTs).
 29. System according to claim 27,wherein said system is designed for feeding said measured and/orcalculated data to the trim source which supplies trim products. 30.System according to claim 16, wherein said system is designed in orderto produce a batch that is completed at a station as a plurality ofsub-batches.
 31. System according to claim 16, wherein said systemcomprises equipment for conveying said supplied sequence of collectionsof trim (COTs) to and/or within the system in the form of conveyorbelts.
 32. System according to claim 16, wherein said system comprisesequipment for transporting completed batches to further processing,packaging, boxing or labeling, said equipment for transportingcomprising for example conveyor belts.